The Grey Man of Holcombe
On a stretch of road in Holcombe, Devon, a rather unusual ghostly apparition has been spotted by numerous motorists. The phantom, known as the Grey Man, is said to appear as a middle-aged man dressed in a grey overcoat, waving a torch at passing drivers. One driver even believed they had hit the man, but upon stopping and searching, no evidence of a collision or the man himself could be found. This bizarre haunting has left many wondering about the identity and purpose of the Grey Man.
Dating back to 1978, the Grey Man sightings have remained a popular and intriguing road ghost story. Although there is limited historical context available about the specific location or potential connections to former residents or events, the consistency of witness accounts lends credibility to the claims. The Grey Man appears to be a harmless apparition, merely waving at drivers with his torch. While the true nature of this haunting remains a mystery, it continues to attract those interested in the paranormal.
Late 20th-century reports of paranormal activity
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Smugglers Inn Strangling Ghost
Smugglers Inn Inn, Dawlish
The Smugglers Inn in Dawlish, Devon, is home to a rather sinister presence. A room within the inn is said to be haunted by an entity with a deadly grip. A barmaid who stayed in the room back in the 1960s was subjected to this malevolent force not once, not twice, but several times. It seemed this ghostly being had a particular interest in strangling sleepers. The poor woman must have been terrified, but it was only after she discovered the dark history of the room that the events made sense.
The Blue Lady of Dawlish
Sefton Hall Convalescent Home, Dawlish
Sefton Hall Convalescent Home in Dawlish, Devon, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman known as the Blue Lady. This spook was reportedly seen in the kitchen and possibly other parts of the building back in the 1970s and 1980s. Although the home is no longer operational, its paranormal legacy lives on. The Blue Lady's presence is characterised by visual sightings, and her ghostly apparition is often associated with a sense of unease. While details about her identity and the circumstances of her death remain unclear, her haunting has become a notable part of local folklore.
Phantom Lovers of Dawlish
Sea front, Dawlish
Dawlish sea front at dawn is a magical place, but beware, you might just catch a glimpse of a ghostly couple strolling hand in hand along the beach. This eerie apparition is said to be Nelson and Lady Hamilton, famous for their ill-fated love affair. They appear in the early hours of the morning, a fleeting sighting that has left many a witness bewildered. The couple's presence is a poignant reminder of the town's rich history and the enduring legend of these two star-crossed lovers.
Devil's Footprints Mystery
General area, Dawlish
Dawlish was just one of many places in Devon where something strange occurred on the evening of 8 February 1855. Thousands of cloven footprints, resembling those of a donkey but running in a straight line, covered roofs as well as roads, and stretched around one hundred miles across the county. The footprints were a bizarre sight, and their appearance has remained unexplained to this day. It's little wonder that people were spooked by the sight of these mysterious marks, which seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Dawlish Grey Lady Haunting
Former Hotel, Dawlish
In the charming seaside town of Dawlish, a former hotel stands as a testament to the area's rich history. It's here that a rather intriguing haunting has been reported, one that features a mysterious grey lady. According to accounts from the 1990s, this ghostly figure was said to walk into wardrobes, where she would disappear into thin air. It's a strange phenomenon that has left many wondering about the story behind this elusive apparition. Adding to the sense of unease are reports of shadows seen walking on the staircase and cold spots experienced throughout the hotel.
Dawlish Monk Murder
Barton House, Dawlish
Barton House in Dawlish, Devon, was once the scene of a chilling paranormal encounter. A witness recalled seeing a monk standing at the top of the staircase, but it vanished into thin air. What followed was a blood-curdling scream and the unmistakable thud of a body hitting the ground. As the witness fled in terror, they could hear the sound of maniacal laughter echoing through the halls. The monk's presence was reportedly seen in the early twentieth century, but the exact date remains a mystery.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near A374 Teignmouth Road

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon

The Old Church House Inn
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa
Okehampton, Devon
The White Hart Hotel
Exeter, Devon